Carragher backs Alexander-Arnold return to Liverpool after Real Madrid struggles

Jamie Carragher has called for Liverpool to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield, saying the 28-year-old made a “big mistake” in leaving for Real Madrid last summer in a £10 million move.

Alexander-Arnold has struggled for game time at the Bernabéu, making just three league starts and slipping to third in the right-back rotation behind Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde. That lack of involvement, combined with Liverpool’s own difficulties generating creativity from the right flank, has prompted Carragher to openly advocate for a reunion.

“I’d have him back,” the former Liverpool defender said on The Overlap. “Give him plenty of stick, [because] I think he made a mistake. I think he made a big mistake. But, as I said, if something benefits Liverpool Football Club going forward. And when you think of the problems Liverpool have in terms of the right-back — Ronnie [Ronald Araujo] has been fantastic, but we do have a problem in terms of full-backs passing. We’ve definitely missed his creativity.”

The comments come as Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has been urged by club legend John Aldridge to avoid repeating the selection gamble Arne Slot made in last season’s Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat to Crystal Palace. In October 2025, Slot fielded eight teenagers — three from the start — in a heavily rotated squad that lost 3-0 to the Eagles at Anfield.

Aldridge, writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, argued that Chelsea’s squad depth and their absence from European competition this season makes them a far more dangerous cup opponent than Palace were. He warned Iraola that the Blues will treat the Carabao Cup as a priority and cannot be underestimated with a weakened line-up.

Iraola’s side arrive at the tie in improved form, having climbed into the Premier League’s top four for the first time this season following a 2-0 home win over Brighton. That result extended their run to back-to-back league victories after a 2-1 win at Brentford the week prior. Liverpool’s pursuit of a record-extending 11th Carabao Cup title continues when they host Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, on Wednesday.